Teacher Expectations

Educator Asks:

I'm new to teaching and want to know, what do most parents realistically expect of teachers?

Parent Answers:
Most parents try to be realistic in establishing expectations of their children's teachers. However, we can sometimes lose patience or understanding if we feel our children have been misunderstood, mistreated in any way, or evaluated unfairly.

Here is an outline of Parental Expectations, which is a beginning that can be built upon by the parents of children in your class:
  1. Acknowledge that as parents, we know our children better than anyone else. While you have an important professional perspective, we have a passionate parental perspective. Listen to us and we'll listen to you. Acknowledge that we both have the child's best interests in mind.
  2. Appreciate our children's strengths . . . and help them improve on their weaknesses.
  3. Communicate with us often. We want to know what is happening. Don't assume that because you don't see me that I don't care. Initiate communication with me and let me know how to contact you.
  4. Make your classroom a safe haven… a place that is conducive to learning. Be aware of what is going on socially among students (in the playground and lunch room, too) Prohibit name-calling, teasing, and other forms of emotional distress.
  5. Smile, laugh, and enjoy what you are doing. Your enthusiasm is contagious to the kids and promotes learning as an enjoyable and exciting, adventure.